- Black Pepper (keywords: black pepper, ground pepper)
Steps
### Perfect Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze: A Flavorful Holiday Dish
Baking a ham is a classic way to serve a hearty holiday meal. To elevate your ham beyond the ordinary, try this delicious brown sugar honey glaze recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors for a mouthwatering finish.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 (5 to 7 pound) fully cooked spiral cut or half ham
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ham:**
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan.
2. **Make the Glaze:**
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed cloves, salt, and mustard powder until well combined.
3. **Apply the Glaze:**
- Brush half of the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it covers all sides.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven.
4. **Bake with Glaze:**
- Bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes or so with additional glaze from the pan.
- The baking time will depend on the size of your ham; you may need more or less time.
5. **Finish with Extra Glaze:**
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush the remaining glaze mixture over the ham and return it to the oven.
- Continue baking until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is warm through.
6. **Rest Before Slicing:**
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy.
- Slice the ham thinly against the grain for a perfect bite.
#### Tips for Perfect Results:
- **Consistency:** Ensure that your glaze is thick enough to coat the ham evenly but not so thin that it runs off easily.
- **Browning:** For a golden-brown finish, brush the glaze more frequently in the last 15 minutes of baking.
- **Taste Test:** Taste the glaze before applying; adjust seasoning if needed for your desired flavor intensity.
#### Conclusion:
This brown sugar honey glaze recipe transforms an ordinary ham into a sensational dish that is sure to impress. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a perfect balance, making it a favorite at any holiday table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delightful baked ham with a rich, caramelized brown sugar honey glaze. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this recipe ensures that everyone will be asking for seconds!